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Average Price: $315

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Description

Elevate your studio setup with the Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface, a powerhouse designed for the discerning audio engineer who demands pristine sound quality and dependable performance. This robust interface offers premium Onyx mic preamps that deliver high-headroom and crystal-clear audio capture, making it an ideal choice for both professional studios and ambitious home recording environments.

Equipped with a versatile 16x16 I/O configuration, the Onyx Blackbird seamlessly integrates into any recording setup, providing ample connectivity for microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. The FireWire connectivity ensures ultra-low latency and reliable data transfer, so you never miss a beat when laying down your next track. With its rugged metal chassis and intuitive front-panel controls, this interface is built to withstand the rigors of daily studio use while offering user-friendly operation.

Designed with both functionality and quality in mind, the Mackie Onyx Blackbird is perfect for anyone looking to expand their sonic palette. Whether you're tracking a full band or capturing nuanced solo performances, this interface adapts to your creative needs, providing a solid foundation for any recording project.

Key Features:

  • 8 premium Onyx mic preamps for superior sound quality
  • 16x16 FireWire connectivity for seamless integration
  • Ultra-low latency performance
  • Versatile I/O configuration for flexible routing
  • Rugged metal chassis for durability
  • Intuitive front-panel controls for easy operation

Product specs

Brand Mackie
Model Onyx Blackbird FireWire Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2010 - 2017
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity Firewire
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 8
Number of Analog Outputs 6
Number of Channels 30
Number of Digital Inputs 8
Number of Digital Outputs 8
Number of Headphone Outputs 2
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 8
Sample Rate 96 khz

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Mackie Onyx Blackbird?

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird connects to your computer via FireWire and features 8 analog inputs, 6 analog outputs, and ADAT/Optical digital I/O. It also includes 2 headphone outputs for monitoring.

Is the Mackie Onyx Blackbird compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Mackie Onyx Blackbird is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it versatile for various studio setups.

How many mic preamps does the Mackie Onyx Blackbird have?

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird is equipped with 8 high-quality mic preamps, ideal for recording multiple microphones simultaneously.

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Mackie Onyx Blackbird?

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird supports a maximum sample rate of 96 kHz, providing high-resolution audio recording and playback.

Does the Mackie Onyx Blackbird require external power?

Yes, the Mackie Onyx Blackbird is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.

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Mackie Onyx Blackbird

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Mackie Onyx Blackbird

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MackieTV

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Review: Mackie Onyx Premium Firewire mixer

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Mackie Onyx Blackbird [Winter NAMM 2011] UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

Mackie Onyx Blackbird [Winter NAMM 2011] UniqueSquared.com

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UniqueSquared

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Mackie Onyx Blackbird Review

Completely Biased Audio Reviews

Completely Biased Audio Reviews

Video thumbnail for Mackie Onyx Blackbird 16 Channel Firewire Audio Interface - www.whybuynew.co.uk by whybuynewonline

Mackie Onyx Blackbird 16 Channel Firewire Audio Interface - www.whybuynew.co.uk

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Video thumbnail for Players Planet Product Overview - Mackie ONYX Blackbird 16x16 Firewire Audio Recording Interface by PlayersPlanetOz

Players Planet Product Overview - Mackie ONYX Blackbird 16x16 Firewire Audio Recording Interface

PlayersPlanetOz

PlayersPlanetOz

Reviews

PROS

  • Clean and true preamps capture the original signal accurately

  • Highly flexible with customizable routing options

  • Supports chaining with two FireWire ports for expanded setups

  • Functions well as an ADAT coupled preamp interface

  • Includes optical and word clock inputs and outputs

  • Minimal latency makes it suitable for real-time tracking

  • Good value for money, especially when purchased used

  • Compatible with various DAWs like Protools and Reaper

  • Offers two headphone mixes for versatile monitoring setups

  • Reliable performance with Windows systems over extended usage

CONS

  • Drivers not updated for compatibility with Mac OS Yosemite and Mavericks

  • FireWire technology is outdated, creating potential compatibility issues

  • Protools can be finicky with sample rate changes

  • Requires a compatible FireWire card for optimal performance on some PCs

  • Mackie's slow driver update and support response times can be frustrating

Critic Reviews

Mackie Onyx Blackbird

soundonsound.com

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird is a robust and user-friendly FireWire interface that impresses with its quality sound and straightforward monitor-mixing utility. Its standout features include direct monitoring and support for high sample rates via ADAT S/MUX, making it versatile for studio setups. However, it lacks S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, and has basic metering, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, it struggles with compatibility issues on certain PC FireWire controllers, necessitating a compatible system for reliable performance. Overall, it's a capable interface that balances functionality and ease of use for its price point.

Mackie Onyx Blackbird Review

mixonline.com

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird impresses with its eight Onyx mic preamps, reliable FireWire connectivity, and versatile ADAT integration, making it a competent choice for studio setups. Its standout features include Super Channels for direct, no-latency monitoring and a user-friendly Blackbird Control app. While the lack of individual analog outputs for each preamp is a downside, the overall sound quality and functionality exceed expectations at its price point. Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality interface without breaking the bank.

positive

Mackie Onyx Blackbird review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mackie Onyx Blackbird is praised for its practicality, versatility, and quality, offering a 16x16 interface with Onyx preamps that deliver clean and transparent sound. It's reasonably priced and features a solid build, plenty of connections, and flexible monitoring and routing options. The Matrix Mixer software enhances its capability by allowing easy routing and saving of configurations, making it a robust choice for users needing multiple channels. The review is overwhelmingly positive, with minimal cons noted, primarily the lack of individual phantom power switching, marking it as a fly-away success for recording setups.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
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T

interface

i love this it handles all my audio and works well with my processors as well ..

Genre Usage

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